The Zoomer Report: Exercise after 30 and Breast Cancer

Here’s more good news about regular exercise. After age 30, exercising for more than an hour a week may help cut a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer, according to a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Seattle.

In the study, more than 4,000 women recalled their physical activity levels during four key stages of life: 10 to 15 years old, 15 to 30 years old, 30 to 50 years old, and 50 years old and older.

The odds of developing breast cancer did not appear to change in relation to exercise levels between ages 10 and 30, but the researchers found that women above age 30 significantly cut their chances of developing breast cancer if they were more active.

Fewer women who classified themselves as “highly competitive” between the ages of 30 and 50 developed breast cancer, compared to women who were less physically active. It was the same for women over 50.

Bottom line, exercise is really important as you get older, and it may play a role in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Nikolay Mamluke

READ MORE ZOOMER REPORTS

The Zoomer Report: Safer Grilling

The Zoomer Report: Double Dose of Vitamin D

The Zoomer Report: Mediterranean Diet Still the One

About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

Are you a Zoomer? Click here to find out.